Plain English Breakdown
The official status indicates the bill passed both chambers but does not confirm if it has been signed by the Governor or vetoed.
AB-1886: Changes to Probation Time Limits for Juvenile Court Wards
This law applies a 12-month time limit on probation to minors in out-of-home placements and those discharged from secure treatment facilities, while allowing courts limited authority to extend jurisdiction without adding new conditions.
What This Bill Does
- Removes the exception that allowed wards placed in specified out-of-home settings under probation officer supervision to stay on probation for more than 12 months.
- Applies the 12-month time limit to minors discharged from a secure youth treatment facility who are put back on probation.
- Includes minors whose commitment to a secure youth treatment facility was set aside by the court.
- Allows courts to extend their legal authority over a ward for a short period after the 12-month limit ends if needed.
Who It Names or Affects
- Minors between ages 12 and 17 who are wards of the juvenile court on probation, including those in out-of-home placements or discharged from treatment facilities.
- Juvenile courts that make orders regarding care, supervision, custody, conduct, maintenance, and support for these minors.
Terms To Know
- Ward of the court
- A minor under the legal control and supervision of a juvenile court judge.
- Disposition hearing
- The court meeting where judges decide what orders or sentences to give after finding a minor responsible for an act; the 12-month limit starts from this date.
- Secure youth treatment facility
- A locked residential center where minors are placed for care and supervision by the state.
Limits and Unknowns
- The official source does not list an effective date, so it is unknown when this law will officially take effect.
- Courts cannot add new rules, conditions, or requirements to a ward's probation during any extended time period allowed by this law.